This event will include member news followed by each author/illustrator speaking for 20 minutes, sharing something they have learned during the process of getting their debut children’s book published. The meeting will be followed by questions from the audience.

Come see me, Nicole Maggie (WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW), and Austin Siegemund-Broka & Emily Wibberley (ALWAYS NEVER YOU) at Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego. We’ll be talking all things contemporary YA books and I guarantee there will be some shenanigans.

In Demetra Brodsky’s arresting Dive Smack, Theo Mackey only remembers one thing for certain about the fire that destroyed his home: he lit the match. Gretchen McNeil (Ten) calls the debut novel, “A tense psychological drama with a voice that pulls you in and a twist you won’t see coming.” “Strong characters and a compelling mystery make this a real page-turner,” effuses Publishers Weekly. And Booklist raves, “Brodsky’s debut combines an engaging school story, filled with best friend shenanigans, first love, and a fascinating look at competitive diving, with a tense psychological mystery.” Demetra will join us in September to discuss her path to publication, and the bumpy journey that’s followed.

THE THRILL OF THE CHASE: PURSUING THE TRUTH

Readers turn the pages of mystery, suspense, science fiction, and thriller novels for a variety of reasons including the tension of the pursuit, the challenge of unmasking the villain, and the satisfaction of justice served.